Storefronts: Burritos, subs coming to University Plaza

The empty space left by Hollywood Video at University Plaza will be filled by two restaurant chains.

John Nigro, head of Nigro Cos., which owns the Western Avenue plaza, tells me that DiBella’s Old Fashioned Submarines and Hot Harry’s Burritos have both signed leases for the space. Construction is now underway to accommodate the eateries.

DiBella’s is a Rochester-based restaurant expanding into the Capital Region, with a location under construction in Latham. Hot Harry’s, meanwhile, has its flagship location in Schenectady. Both eateries are likely to appeal to students at the nearby University at Albany, which is building a large dorm almost directly behind the plaza.

Other tenants there include Uncommon Grounds, Pet Supplies Plus, Rite Aid, Boston Market, and University Wine and Liquor.

Nigro said DiBella’s will occupy about two-thirds of the vacant space, which is at the center of the plaza. Hot Harry’s will take the rest. Both businesses, he said, should be open within 60 days.

Chris Churchill

8 Responses

You say that a DiBella’s location is under construction in Latham. Can you confirm this? The last I heard, they were going to build right next to Latham’s Chipotle quite a while back, and the construction never began. Are they still looking to build in that location, or is this based on the old information?

I’ll tell you though, unless they solve the problem of everyone parking there and taking the bus downtown everyday these businesses won’t work. It’s nearly impossible to get a parking spot there in the middle of the day and the businesses aren’t busy. The back two rows of the parking lot are full every single day.

I can’t wait either. Everything is always so fresh at Hot Harry’s and the portions are good for two! SUNY is going to LOVE Hot Harry’s. I heard even delivery service to the Campus is going to be considered. Does anyone know if they are going to serve beer?